Confidentiality and Sealed Records

Family cases often involve sensitive data—addresses, medical records, payroll, immigration status. While courts favor open records, they also provide tools to protect privacy when disclosure risks safety or identity theft. Here’s how to keep necessary information in the file while limiting who can see it.

Start with redaction discipline. Any document you file should omit or truncate Social Security numbers, full bank account numbers, birth dates, and children’s full names, consistent with your court’s rules. Replace with the last four digits or initials. Before e‑filing, open the PDF and confirm that redaction is permanent (no hidden text underneath). Many “black boxes” are just highlights; use true redaction tools.

File under seal when appropriate. If a document contains details that cannot be effectively redacted—full medical records, school IEPs, therapy notes, confidential addresses—move to file under seal. Explain why disclosure would harm the child or expose the family to risk. Propose filing a public, redacted summary so the docket remains understandable without revealing sensitive data. Keep a sealed appendix for exhibits and a non‑confidential brief for the main argument.

Address confidentiality programs. Survivors of domestic violence can often enroll in address confidentiality programs that substitute a government‑issued mailing address on public records. Ask the clerk how to update the case caption and service instructions so the real address stays off the docket. Coordinate with the child support agency so payment notices and debit cards go to a safe location.

Protect discovery exchanges. Many sensitive documents are exchanged in discovery without ever being filed—paystubs, tax returns, medical bills. Use a protective order that limits use to the case, restricts sharing to counsel and parties, and requires secure storage and destruction after the case ends. For pro se cases, set up a secure portal or agreed encrypted email to avoid mailing originals.

Courtroom privacy. Request remote appearances or separate waiting areas if safety is a concern. If testimony requires discussion of diagnoses or immigration status, ask to clear the courtroom or limit spectators. Judges balance openness with child welfare; be concise and explain the need.

Agency portals and SDUs. Payment histories and case notes can reveal addresses and employer details. Ask your agency what data is visible to the other parent and whether confidentiality flags can hide sensitive fields. When in doubt, submit reimbursement requests with redacted documents and provide unredacted versions only to the court under seal.

Social media and amateur “investigations.” Do not post court papers online; it can violate protective orders and harm your case. If the other parent posts sealed documents, take screenshots and move for sanctions or contempt. Remind family and friends not to crowdsource the case—public threads can become exhibits for the wrong reasons.

Bottom line. Privacy in family court is not automatic. Use redaction, sealing, protective orders, and agency confidentiality tools to keep the focus on the child’s needs, not on leaking sensitive data into the public record.